First among many

As part of national Women's History Month, Westland officials recently paid tribute to the late Justine Barns. Mrs. Barns, who started her political career as a PTA member, was elected as a Michigan State House Representative after careers on the Westland City Council and multiple volunteer roles in the community. Mrs. Barns was a trailblazer and a “remarkable State Representative, Councilwoman, philanthropist, leader and friend. Our community is a better place because of her countless contributions,” officials said. Mrs. Barns served on the original Charter Committee when Nankin Township was converted to the City of Westland. She dedicated many years of service to the city before going on to serve in the House of Representatives and after spending 12 years at the State Capitol, returned to serve another four years on Westland City Council before her retirement. “With a large list of firsts, Westland is proud to call her our “First” Westland councilmember on the “First' city council as well as the “First” woman president to serve the council. She was also memorialized with the naming of the Jefferson Barns Community Vitality Center in the community she loved.” March is designated as Women's History Month, set aside to honor women's contributions in American history.